Pictured: Streets of Paradise donor relations manager Cathy Bryant with realtor Allison Werner celebrate the organization's 100th rehome project in Sarasota. Photo courtesy of Molly Russo.

Local nonprofit Streets of Paradise Inc. helps to furnish houses for formerly homeless individuals. The traveling nonprofit has already made 100 houses into homes for over 200 people they began this initiative in March of this year. In lieu of its 100th re-home project completion recently, Allison Werner, licensed Sarasota real estate broker and owner of Couture Real Estate, unveiled a new moving truck she purchased for the organization. “I knew when I heard of this amazing organization and the work they were doing in our community that I wanted to be a part of it in whatever way they needed,” says Werner. This month, her brokerage Couture Real Estate was able to purchase the truck as a surprise to the organization at their celebratory milestone event last weekend at The Blue Rooster. Having a moving truck of their own means they no longer have to rent one for each move, at a cost of about $400 per day, to get donated household goods to the homes several times each month.

“More than anything, their immediate need was a truck to ease their financial burden each month,” she says. “I am so excited that I was able to check this box for them so they can focus on their mission and keep making houses into homes for fellow Sarasotans. It’s a cause we have in common.” Werner also recently held an event with local artist Lipstick Lex, who was featured on Good Morning America’s Strahan & Sara Show, at one of her listings on St. Armands to bring awareness to their cause and connect art lovers and Realtors with Streets of Paradise and its mission. 

According to Streets of Paradise donor relations manager Cathy Bryant, a person who moves into a furnished home is a staggering 87% less likely to ever re-enter the cycle of homelessness. “We are so grateful to Allison,” says Bryant. “She recognized the need to give back and come alongside us in partnership to serve our community.” Look for the white moving truck, stamped with the manta, “Love, Act, Repeat” on the front of the vehicle, as it makes it way around the region to end homelessness for good. 

And thanks to fellow local nonprofit, Tiny Hands Foundation, Streets of Paradise has 120 baskets of Thanksgiving gift baskets to donate for the holiday. The Thanksgiving Day meal kits contain non perishable sides, dressings and a Publix gift card for a small ham or turkey. Stop by its warehouse at 3080 N Washington Blvd., Sarasota or call 941-704-3511 for delivery. Please share and spread the word.

Pictured: Streets of Paradise donor relations manager Cathy Bryant with realtor Allison Werner celebrate the organization's 100th rehome project in Sarasota. Photo courtesy of Molly Russo.